Planes over water — AIR FORCE PHOTOS

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U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron taxi down the flightline before takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 29, 2026. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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Hanging out

U.S. Air Force Capt. Danielle Beigelman, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, is positioned in a tree during a simulated aircraft crash scenario as part of Operations Group War Day, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 5, 2026. The training emphasized endurance, resource management and survival skills required in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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Attention to detail

Senior Airman Andrew White, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, performs preload checks on a GBU-39 bomb during the 96th Maintenance Group’s fourth-quarter weapons load competition at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 30, 2026. The competition pitted the squadron's F-16 "Blue" team against the F-15 “Red” team for the title of top load crew of the quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

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Flight prep

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 49th Fighter Wing are prepared for flight at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 29, 2026. The work of maintenance professionals is critical to integrating fourth- and fifth-generation fighters and sustaining combat-ready airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Attention to detail

Brig. Gen. Lawrence Sullivan, 57th Wing commander, conducts a walk-around inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 9, 2026. Sullivan observed flight operations and engaged with aircrew as part of routine leadership oversight. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

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Precision under pressure

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 35th Fighter Generation Squadron load munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the annual Bomb Build and Loading Competition at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2026. The competition challenges Airmen to safely and efficiently load munitions while operating in a simulated chemical-threat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tallon Bratton)

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Dashing through the snow

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 35th Fighter Wing takes off during Beverly Sunrise 26-02 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. Operating in winter enhances the unit’s cold-weather proficiency, enabling the 35th FW to maintain a persistent and reliable presence regardless of climate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

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Night flight

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 175th Fighter Squadron, South Dakota Air National Guard, takes off from Joe Foss Field, S.D., Dec. 16, 2025, during night flying operations. Night training prepares aircrews to operate in various visibility and weather conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Luke Olson)

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Under belly

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, flies over the Gulf of America, Nov. 25, 2025. F-16s assigned to the 40th FTS test new hardware and software systems to modernize the entire Air Force aircraft fleet, including testing weapons that will be used on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)

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Simulated Rescue

Firefighters with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron simulate extinguishing a fire at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Nov. 20, 2025. U.S. and Republic of Korea air force firefighters carried out a rescue scenario involving a simulated trapped pilot in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, working together to clear an access path and place a ladder to safely reach and carry the simulated pilot from the cockpit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams)

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Aggressor Squadron

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron takes off for a mission in support of U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 18, 2025. Aggressor pilots are highly skilled in both U.S. and adversary tactics, providing realistic threat replication that enhances training for U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

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Range Day

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron releases inert munitions during Range Day 2025 at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 12, 2025. Range Day is an annual training and demonstration event where Airmen showcase combat capabilities and precision weapons employment to fellow service members, families and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Ready to roll

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Szabo, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prepares to taxi before taking off for a combined air operation with Egyptian air force F-16s in support of exercise Bright Star 25 at Cairo West Air Base, Egypt, Aug. 31, 2025. Bright Star 25 is a long-running multinational exercise that strengthens regional security cooperation, enhances interoperability and improves joint readiness among U.S., Egyptian and partner nation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keegan Putman)

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Night flight

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 114th Fighter Wing launches into night flying operations with the afterburner engaged at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Aug. 21, 2025. The afterburner provides a significant thrust boost by injecting fuel directly into the exhaust stream, enabling rapid acceleration and high-speed performance essential for combat operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Luke Olson)

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Wired differently

Staff Sgts. Tyler Casanova and Skyler Dick, 114th Maintenance Squadron aircraft electricians, service a temperature control unit on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during night flying operations at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Aug. 21, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Luke Olson)

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Fighter formation

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lighting IIs from the 48th Fighter Wing and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing fly in formation during Exercise Combined Strike 25 along the coast of Italy, Aug. 18, 2025. Integration flying training is key to enhancing interoperability with NATO partners and increasing our readiness capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Home sweet home

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Kitaif, 555th Fighter Squadron commander, shares a moment with his family after returning from a deployment at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 22, 2025. During the deployment, the 555th FS played a vital role in bolstering regional security and strengthening coalition partnerships within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna A. Bond)

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Eagle formation

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing fly in formation over Italy, Aug. 18, 2025, during Exercise Combined Strike 25. The exercise provides realistic training scenarios, improving combat readiness and demonstrating commitment to NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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3-Ship formation

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 113th Fighter Wing, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, and 96th Test Wing fly in formation during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-3 off the coast of California, Aug. 7, 2025. This iteration of Bamboo Eagle builds on previous exercises, offering a complex and realistic training environment designed to prepare U.S. Air Forces, as part of the joint force, for the evolving challenges of modern warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh)

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Zone defense

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepts a Russian Tu-95 bomber over the Bering Sea, July 22, 2025. The intercept occurred after the Tu-95 entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, a monitored airspace where foreign military aircraft are tracked to ensure national security and situational awareness. (U.S. Department of Defense photo)

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